Former Kansas University guard Jacque Vaughn (11) is fouled by Utah's Mehmet Okur (13) during the second quarter of Utah's win over San Antonio Monday in Salt Lake City.

Hornets 117, Nuggets 93

New Orleans – Chris Paul had 23 points, 17 assists, and nine rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets ran away with their ninth straight victory over Denver on Monday.

Even in a game featuring recently elected All-Star starter Allen Iverson, Paul was the best player on the floor in this contest. Iverson also scored 23, but had only three assists and got little help other than from Kenyon Martin, who scored 18.

Recently elected All-Star Carmelo Anthony missed his fourth straight game with a sprained left ankle, and the undermanned Nuggets struggled to keep pace.

Jazz 97, Spurs 91

Salt Lake City – Deron Williams had 11 points and 14 assists, and Utah won its fifth straight game.

Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko scored 23 points each for the Jazz, who controlled the team that dominated them in the Western Conference finals last season.

Mavericks 103, Grizzlies 84

Memphis, Tenn. – Josh Howard hit his first eight shots on the way to 26 points and Dallas shot 54 percent in a victory over Memphis.

Howard shot 10-of-17 from the field for Dallas, which has won four straight and 12 of its last 14.

Bobcats 107, Clippers 100

Los Angeles – Gerald Wallace had 23 points, eight assists and six rebounds, Jason Richardson added 20 points and the Charlotte Bobcats beat the undermanned Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

Emeka Okafor had 14 points and 9 rebounds for the Hornets.